Kate’s 2¢: “No graves as yet: a novel of World War I: by Anne Perry

“No graves as yet: a novel of World War I: by Anne Perry

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   Perry does a wonderful job of describing the flora of each scene and the changes it goes through during the various seasons.

   Her characters express their inner thoughts and feelings with almost excruciating detail.  I sometimes found myself thinking: yes. Yes, now let’s move the story  along.  But, I suppose, that is how the suspense is built up in the mystery part of this murder mystery.

   Then again, maybe it is part of the British stoicism and the “stiff upper lip”.

   George Holmes, with his British accent does a great job of reading the story for us.

From the WEB:

Anne Perry is an English author of historical detective fiction. Born in London in 1938 as Juliet Marion Hulme, she was convicted of participating in the murder of her friend’s mother in 1954 in New Zealand. She changed her name and returned to England after serving her sentence. Perry published her first novel in 1979.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

No graves as yet: a novel of World War I DB57506

Perry, Anne. Reading time: 14 hours, 9 minutes.

Read by George Holmes. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Historical mystery fiction

Spy Stories

England; June, 1914. Reverend Joseph Reavley, a professor at Cambridge, and his brother Matthew, an intelligence officer, investigate their parents’ suspicious deaths. Their father, a former politician, had alerted them that he possessed a secret document–now missing. Meanwhile, a pacifist student at the university is murdered amidst rumors of war. 2003.

Download No graves as yet: a novel of World War I

Also:

Shoulder the sky: a novel DB59439

Perry, Anne. Reading time: 12 hours, 43 minutes.

Read by George Holmes. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Historical mystery fiction

Chaplain Joseph Reavley from No Graves as Yet (DB 57506) journeys to the Flanders war front in 1915 to help the wounded. When a hated military correspondent is murdered, Reavley probes into the mystery of his own parents’ deaths caused by the unknown “Peacemaker.” Some violence. 2004.

Downloaded: August 11, 2020

Download Shoulder the sky: a novel

Kate’s 2¢: One more thing: stories and other stories” by B. J. Novak

“One more thing: stories and other stories” by B. J. Novak

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I think it is very difficult to write a book of humor. What makes us laugh or tickles our funny bone is so very individual. Thus, I found some of these stories amusing; others were perhaps, over my head; and some were just down right a waste of paper/my time.

   After you read this book, let me know what struck your funny bone.

From the WEB:

   Benjamin Joseph  Novak was born July 31, 1979, in Newton, Massachusetts. His parents are Linda (née Manaly) and autho

r William Novak. Novak’s family is Jewish. His father co-edited The Big Book of Jewish Humor, and has ghostwritten memoirs for Nancy Reagan, Lee Iacocca, Magic Johnson, and others; his parents also established a Jewish matchmaking service. Novak has two younger brothers, Jesse

   Novak is a writer and actor best known for his work on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series “The Office” as an actor, writer, director, and executive producer. He is also known for his stand up comedy performances and his roles in motion pictures such as Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks.”

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

One more thing: stories and other stories DB 78397

Novak, B. J. Reading time 8 hours, 48 minutes.
Read by Erik Sandvold. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Short Stories; Bestsellers

Description: Sixty-four short stories by writer and actor best known for the television series The Office. In “Romance, Chapter One” two friends discuss their romantic prospects. “If I Had a Nickel” contemplates the economics of being paid five cents for every time a cup of coffee is spilled. Strong language. Bestseller. 2014.

• Digital talking book. 1 level and 69 navigation points. Digitally mastered.
• ISBN: 9780385351836, Recorded from:, New York Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.
• Full audio with structure. System requirements: NLS authorized ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002 digital talking book (dtb) player compatible with NLS flash cartridges. Web version requires computer with Internet access, BARD password and NLS authorized digital talking book player. Contact your cooperating library or the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, for more information.
• Short stories; Humorous fiction

Kate’s 2¢: “The girl with the dragon tatoo” by Stieg Larsson

Kate’s 2¢: “The girl with the dragon tatoo” by Stieg Larsson

“The girl with the dragon tatoo” by Stieg Larsson

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I like reading stories by authors of other nationalities. Very often their approach is different from American writers. Maybe it is because their experiences, due to their culture, are not like mine.

Larson spent a lot of time developing first one main character and then the other. I began to wonder how and when these two characters would meet and how they would inter-act. As it turned out, they worked and played  very well together.  

From the WEB:

Stieg Larsson, original name Karl Stig-Erland Larsson, (born August 15, 1954, Skelleftehamn, Sweden—died November 9, 2004, Stockholm), Swedish writer and activist whose posthumously published Millennium series of crime novels brought him international acclaim. Larsson grew up with his maternal grandparents in northern Sweden until age nine, when he rejoined his parents in Stockholm.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The girl with the dragon tatoo  67759

Larsson, Stieg. Reading time: 16 hours, 32 minutes.
Read by Mary Kane. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Suspense Fiction
Mystery and Detective Stories
Bestsellers

Stockholm. Wealthy octogenarian Henrik Vanger hires disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and antisocial computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate the disappearance of his great-niece as a teenager forty years ago. They uncover damaging secrets about the family–and themselves. Originally published in Swedish. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2008.

“The girl with the dragon tatoo” by Stieg Larsson

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I like reading stories by authors of other nationalities. Very often their approach is different from American writers. Maybe it is because their experiences, due to their culture, are not like mine.

Larson spent a lot of time developing first one main character and then the other. I began to wonder how and when these two characters would meet and how they would inter-act. As it turned out, they worked and played  very well together.  

From the WEB:

Stieg Larsson, original name Karl Stig-Erland Larsson, (born August 15, 1954, Skelleftehamn, Sweden—died November 9, 2004, Stockholm), Swedish writer and activist whose posthumously published Millennium series of crime novels brought him international acclaim. Larsson grew up with his maternal grandparents in northern Sweden until age nine, when he rejoined his parents in Stockholm.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The girl with the dragon tatoo  67759

“The girl with the dragon tatoo” by Stieg Larsson

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I like reading stories by authors of other nationalities. Very often their approach is different from American writers. Maybe it is because their experiences, due to their culture, are not like mine.

Larson spent a lot of time developing first one main character and then the other. I began to wonder how and when these two characters would meet and how they would inter-act. As it turned out, they worked and played  very well together.  

From the WEB:

Stieg Larsson, original name Karl Stig-Erland Larsson, (born August 15, 1954, Skelleftehamn, Sweden—died November 9, 2004, Stockholm), Swedish writer and activist whose posthumously published Millennium series of crime novels brought him international acclaim. Larsson grew up with his maternal grandparents in northern Sweden until age nine, when he rejoined his parents in Stockholm.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The girl with the dragon tatoo  67759

Larsson, Stieg. Reading time: 16 hours, 32 minutes.
Read by Mary Kane. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Suspense Fiction
Mystery and Detective Stories
Bestsellers

Stockholm. Wealthy octogenarian Henrik Vanger hires disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and antisocial computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate the disappearance of his great-niece as a teenager forty years ago. They uncover damaging secrets about the family–and themselves. Originally published in Swedish. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2008.

Kate’s 2¢: “The quality of mercy” by Faye Kellerman

“The quality of mercy” by Faye Kellerman

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I’m glad Martha Harmon Pardee narrated this book, as it took a long time to finish it.  Martha’s professionalism in reading  the print, brought the characters alive and made them memorable.

   I enjoyed this fictional account meshed into the historical facts. I’m glad to have had the historical notes at the end of the story.

From her website:

   Faye Kellerman was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. She earned a BA in mathematics and a doctorate in dentistry at UCLA. Kellerman’s groundbreaking first novel, THE RITUAL BATH, was published in 1986 to wide critical and commercial acclaim. The winner of the Macavity Award for the Best First Novel from the Mystery Readers of American, THE RITUAL BATH introduced readers to Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus, termed by People Magazine “Hands down, the most refreshing mystery couple around.” The New York Times enthused, “This couple’s domestic affairs have the haimish warmth of reality, unlike the formulaic lives of so many other genre detectives.”

There are well over twenty million copies of Faye Kellerman’s novels in print internationally. The Decker/Lazarus thrillers include SACRED AND PROFANE; MILK AND HONEY; DAY OF ATONEMENT; FALSE PROPHET; GRIEVOUS SIN; SANCTUARY; as well as her New York Times Bestsellers, JUSTICE, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD – listed by the LA Times as one of the best crime novel of 2001; SERPENT’S TOOTH; JUPITER’S BONES, THE FORGOTTEN, STONE KISS, STRAIGHT INTO DARKNESS, THE BURNT HOUSE, THE MERCEDES COFFIN and BLINDMAN’S BLUFF. HANGMAN, and GUN GAMES, THE BEAST, MURDER 101, THE THEORY OF DEATH, BONE BOX and WALKING SHADOWS . The novels, STALKER and STREET DREAMS, introduced Kellerman’s newest protagonist, Police Officer Cindy Decker, and MURDER 101 moved Decker and Rina to Greenbury New York. There Peter works as a detective in Greenbury PD with his latest partner, Tyler McAdams, a Harvard law student with a nose for solving crimes. In addition to her crime series, Kellerman is also the author of New York Time’s bestseller MOON MUSIC, a suspense horror novel set in Las Vegas featuring Detective Romulus Poe, as well as an historical novel of intrigue set in Elizabethan England, THE QUALITY OF MERCY as well as a novel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, entitled THE KILLING SEASON, a novel of retribution and atonement.

   She has also co-authored the New York Times Bestseller DOUBLE HOMICIDE, with her husband and partner in crime, Jonathan Kellerman. She was also lucky enough to co-write a young adult novel, PRISM, with her daughter, Aliza Kellerman.

Her newest novel – also in the Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series – in entitled THE LOST BOYS and will most likely be released in August of 2020. She is hard at work penning this latest venture.

   Faye Kellerman’s highly praised short stories and reviews have been anthologized in numerous collections including two volumes of the notable SISTERS IN CRIME SERIES, Sara Paretsky’s, A WOMAN’S EYE; THE FIRST ANNUAL YEAR’S FINEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES; THE THIRD ANNUAL BEST MYSTERY STORIES OF THE YEAR; WOMEN OF MYSTERY AND DEADLY ALLIES 11. Her personally annotated collection of her award winning stories, THE GARDEN OF EDEN and OTHER CRIMINAL DELIGHTS, was published in August of 2006. In July of 2013, Ms. Kellerman was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Strand Magazine.

   Her other hobbies include gardening, and jogging if her back doesn’t give out. She has four children, and eight grandchildren – the loves of her life. Her eldest son, Jesse, has published five novels including POTBOILER which was nominated for an Edgar Allen Poe Award. She lives in Los Angeles, Santa Fe and Jerusalem with her husband, Jonathan, also the love of her life.

She has many loves: she smiles a lot.

   American author Faye Kellerman is best known for her Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series which has spanned nearly 20 novels. She also has several standalone novels on her resume. Faye is married to fellow author Jonathan Kellerman, whom she has co-authored multiple books with ( Double Homicide and Capital Crimes ).

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The quality of mercy DB45094

Kellerman, Faye. Reading time: 23 hours, 3 minutes.

Read by Martha Harmon Pardee. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Historical Fiction

Elizabethan London. Young playwright Will Shakespeare is distraught over the murder of his mentor. Rebecca Lopez, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth I’s physician, is a Jew whose family rescues other Jews from Portugal’s Inquisition. When Will and Rebecca meet, they vow to help each other in their quests for justice. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex.

Downloaded: June 26, 2020

Download The quality of mercy

Kate’s 2¢: “Dead Girl Running” by Christina Dodd

“Dead Girl Running” by Christina Dodd

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

At first, I had trouble telling who was whom. The flash-backs were confusing. Then, add all the characters introduced as staff and guests at the resort and that adds up to a lot of people to sort out.

   I enjoyed this story and I wasn’t able to identify the perp prior to the author showing the perp in the deadly act.

From https://www.christinadodd.com

   Christina Dodd is a New York Times bestselling author of romantic suspense, historical romance and paranormal fiction. Dodd was raised by a hard-working single mother who took the time to read to her children every day. Christina went to college in Boise, Idaho where she met Scott, her husband.

   Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. She reads everything, but because she loves humor, she likes romance best. A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Dead girl running DB97556

Dodd, Christina. Reading time: 9 hours, 30 minutes.

Read by Vanessa Johansson.

Suspense Fiction

Kellen Adams is running from a year she can’t remember and a husband she prays is dead. She takes a job at a remote vacation resort on the Washington coast, where she discovers a woman’s mutilated body. She tries to keep her own secrets while investigating a murder. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

Downloaded: March 21, 2020

“Dead Girl Running” by Christina Dodd

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

At first, I had trouble telling who was whom. The flash-backs were confusing. Then, add all the characters introduced as staff and guests at the resort and that adds up to a lot of people to sort out.

   I enjoyed this story and I wasn’t able to identify the perp prior to the author showing the perp in the deadly act.

From https://www.christinadodd.com

   Christina Dodd is a New York Times bestselling author of romantic suspense, historical romance and paranormal fiction. Dodd was raised by a hard-working single mother who took the time to read to her children every day. Christina went to college in Boise, Idaho where she met Scott, her husband.

   Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. She reads everything, but because she loves humor, she likes romance best. A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Dead girl running DB97556

Dodd, Christina. Reading time: 9 hours, 30 minutes.

Read by Vanessa Johansson.

Suspense Fiction

Kellen Adams is running from a year she can’t remember and a husband she prays is dead. She takes a job at a remote vacation resort on the Washington coast, where she discovers a woman’s mutilated body. She tries to keep her own secrets while investigating a murder. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

“Dead Girl Running” by Christina Dodd

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

At first, I had trouble telling who was whom. The flash-backs were confusing. Then, add all the characters introduced as staff and guests at the resort and that adds up to a lot of people to sort out.

   I enjoyed this story and I wasn’t able to identify the perp prior to the author showing the perp in the deadly act.

From https://www.christinadodd.com

   Christina Dodd is a New York Times bestselling author of romantic suspense, historical romance and paranormal fiction. Dodd was raised by a hard-working single mother who took the time to read to her children every day. Christina went to college in Boise, Idaho where she met Scott, her husband.

   Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. She reads everything, but because she loves humor, she likes romance best. A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Dead girl running DB97556

Dodd, Christina. Reading time: 9 hours, 30 minutes.

Read by Vanessa Johansson.

Suspense Fiction

Kellen Adams is running from a year she can’t remember and a husband she prays is dead. She takes a job at a remote vacation resort on the Washington coast, where she discovers a woman’s mutilated body. She tries to keep her own secrets while investigating a murder. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

Downloaded: March 21, 2020

Kate’s 2¢: “Justifiable Means” by Terri Blackstock

“Justifiable Means” by Terri Blackstock

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

Millsaps ethical and moral dilemma almost gets him killed, but, in the end, the good guy gets the girl…of course! That’s what makes this a romance novel.  

From the WEB:

Terri Blackstock (born December 7, 1957 in Belleville, Illinois) is a Christian fiction writer. Blackstock is known for her numerous published novels spanning across genre from Christian romances to Christian mystery/suspense. Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide.

terriblackstock.com

The official website of New York Times best selling author Terri Blackstock, author of If I Run, the Intervention Series, the Moonlighter’s Series, and more.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Justifiable means DB53764

Blackstock, Terri. Reading time: 9 hours, 5 minutes.

Read by Erin Jones. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Religious Fiction

Suspense Fiction

Romance

“Justifiable Means” by Terri Blackstock

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

Millsaps ethical and moral dilemma almost gets him killed, but, in the end, the good guy gets the girl…of course! That’s what makes this a romance novel.  

From the WEB:

Terri Blackstock (born December 7, 1957 in Belleville, Illinois) is a Christian fiction writer. Blackstock is known for her numerous published novels spanning across genre from Christian romances to Christian mystery/suspense. Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide.

terriblackstock.com

The official website of New York Times best selling author Terri Blackstock, author of If I Run, the Intervention Series, the Moonlighter’s Series, and more.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Justifiable means DB53764

Blackstock, Terri. Reading time: 9 hours, 5 minutes.

Read by Erin Jones. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Religious Fiction

Suspense Fiction

Romance

Detective Larry Millsaps–Evidence of Mercy (DB 53763)–is investigating the rape of Melissa Nelson. Bothered by her extensive knowledge regarding evidence needed to convict her attacker, Millsaps finds himself falling in love with her while he tries to uncover her real reasons for wanting a prime suspect behind bars. 1996.

Kate’s 2¢: “Liar’s Bench” by Kim Michele Richardson

“Liar’s Bench” by Kim Michele Richardson

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I enjoyed this story, although, I thought Mudas was a bit precocious for her age. Having said that, she certainly had a mind of her own and, with her bi-racial boyfriend solve a very tricky murder.

   Norma Rash did a good job of reading this book to BARD patrons. Thank you.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Liar’s bench DBC15906

Richardson, Kim Michele. Reading time: 8 hours, 43 minutes.

Read by Norma Rash. A production of Kentucky Talking Book Library.

Historical Fiction

Mystery and Detective Stories

Family

1972, Peckinpaw KY. Mudas Summers lives with her father, while her mother is involved in an abusive marriage. The day Mudas turns seventeen, her mother is found hanged and the sheriff rules it a suicide. Mudas knows her mother would never kill herself, and suspects her stepfather. She and her new boyfriend try to discover the truth and become exposed to dangerous and corrupt men, as well as racism and ramifications from a 100-year-old crime. Contains some strong language, some descriptions of sex, and some violence. 2015.

The sisters of Glass Ferry DBC08467

Richardson, Kim Michele. Reading time: 8 hours, 59 minutes.

Read by Marilyn Rodgers. A production of Kentucky Talking Book Library.

Historical Fiction

Family

1952, Glass Ferry, KY. Flannery Butler has to work on Prom night, while her twin sister Patsy leaves for the dance escorted by her boyfriend, the sheriff’s son. The couple never return home. Twenty years later, an old, sunken car is found in the Kentucky River. Flannery’s reaction, along with that of the current sheriff, starts a chain of events that exposes long-held secrets involving loss, bourbon distilling, and retribution. 2017. Some strong language and violence.

The book woman of Troublesome Creek DB95243

Richardson, Kim Michele. Reading time: 9 hours, 28 minutes.

Read by Katie Schorr. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Historical Fiction

Kentucky, 1936. Nineteen-year-old Cussy Mary Carter has been working as part of the Pack Horse Library Project, but her father hopes she’ll marry–despite the family trait of blue skin. In addition to her father’s hopes, Cussy must also face the prejudice of the community she serves. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

Kate’s 2¢: “Black Friday” by James Patterson

“Black Friday” by James Patterson

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   While the author states this is a work of fiction, he believes it could happen. He might be right. These days we have greedy politicians, messed up bankers, and sick veterans; or is it sic politicians, greedy bankers, and messed up Veterans? 

   A word to the wise should be sufficient.  We must be vigilant and if you see something odd, say something to the authorities.

   Does fiction follow fact or fact follow fiction? This story and “No More Time For Sorrow” by Dr. Robert Beeman seem to be blue-prints for the terrorists to follow, or are they stories that give us a heads-up  about what to watch for?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

www.jamespatterson.com

James Brendan Patterson (born March 22, 1947  in Newburgh, NY) is an American author and philanthropist. Among his works are the Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women’s Murder Club, Maximum Ride, Daniel X, NYPD Red, Witch and Wizard, and Private series, as well as many stand-alone thrillers, non-fiction and romance novels. His books have sold more than 300 million copies[1] and he was the first person to sell 1 million e-books.[2] In 2016, Patterson topped Forbes’s list of highest-paid authors for the third consecutive year, with an income of $95 million.[3] His total income over a decade is estimated at $700 million.[4]

In November 2015, Patterson received the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, which cited him as a “passionate campaigner to make books and reading a national priority. A generous supporter of universities, teachers colleges, independent bookstores, school libraries, and college students, Patterson has donated millions of dollars in grants and scholarships with the purpose of encouraging Americans of all ages to read more books.”[5]

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Black Friday / DB50311

Patterson, James. Reading time: 10 hours, 37 minutes.

Read by Bob Moore. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Suspense Fiction

When terrorists target Wall Street, federal agent Arch Carroll joins SEC chief of enforcement Caitlin Dillon to determine who is behind the mayhem. But their investigation endangers the motherless Carroll children. Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 1986.

Kate’s 2¢: “When you were everything” by Ashley Woodfolk

“When you were everything” by Ashley Woodfolk

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   Well, this story certainly includes diversity: White, Blacks, Asians, one from India; lesbian teen couple, gay teen couple, straight teen couple; a speech disability, and a plethora of other characters.

   The narrative arc uses a dual time-line that, successfully, keeps the suspense going as to why the girls were bff’s until they weren’t.

   While I don’t like potty-mouth in stories for teens, Imani Parks did a good job of reading this story for the NLS.

   I like the idea of a NYC charter school that stresses Shakespeare, English, and the higher sciences and mathematics. I even like the idea of school uniforms, so the students don’t have to compete over outfits. The school’s discipline was a bit lax, though. Cell phones shouldn’t be used during class nor ‘making out’ in the stairwells.

www.ashleywoodfolk.com

Ashley Woodfolk graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in English and her life-long love of books led her straight to the publishing industry. She’s a member of the CBC Diversity Committee and markets books for children and teens. In her abundance of “spare” time, she writes contemporary YA.

   She wrote her first novel, The Beauty That Remains, from a sunny Brooklyn apartment where she lives with her cute husband, her cuter dog, and the cutest baby in the world: her son Niko. When You Were Everything is her second novel.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

When you were everything DB98927

Woodfolk, Ashley. Reading time: 10 hours, 19 minutes.

Read by Imani Parks.

Human Relations

Young Adult

In New York City, follows the breakup of teenaged best friends Cleo and Layla, told in alternating timelines. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.

Downloaded: June 10, 2020

Kate’s 2¢: “Chances Are…” by Richard Russo

“Chances Are…” by Richard Russo

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I like the way Russo presented the  biographies of the three boys, now  66, each in their own tern. Of course, the narrative arc begs to lead us to wonder what the heck happened to Jacy  44 years ago. Eventually, the conclusion is revealed  during this reunion of three of the  four Musketeers.

From Wikipedia:

   Russo was born in Johnstown, New York, and raised in nearby Gloversville. He earned a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Fine Arts degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Arizona, which he attended from 1967 through 1979.[1] The subject of his doctoral dissertation was the works of the early American writer, historian and editor Charles Brockden Brown[2]

   Russo was teaching in the English department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale when his first novel, Mohawk, was published, in 1986. Much of his work is semi-autobiographical, drawing on his life from his upbringing in upstate New York to his time teaching literature at Colby College (subsequently retired).[3]

   His 2001 novel Empire Falls received the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He has written seven other novels, a collection of short stories, and a memoir (Elsewhere). His short story “Horseman” was published in The Best American Short Stories 2007 edited by Stephen King and Heidi Pitlor.

   Russo co-wrote the 1998 film Twilight with the director Robert Benton. Benton adapted Russo’s Nobody’s Fool as a 1994 film of the same title, starring Paul Newman, which he also directed. Russo wrote the teleplay for the HBO adaptation of Empire Falls, the screenplay for the 2005 film Ice Harvest, and the screenplay for the 2005 Niall Johnson film Keeping Mum, which starred Rowan Atkinson.

   Russo and his wife, Barbara, live in Portland, Maine,[4][5]and spend winters in Boston.[6] They have two daughters, Kate and Emily.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:Chances are… DB95855

Russo, Richard. Reading time: 11 hours, 19 minutes.

Read by Fred Sanders. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Suspense Fiction

General

Real estate broker Lincoln, tiny-press publisher Teddy, and musician Mickey gather on Martha’s Vineyard for Memorial Day weekend–as they have since 1971, when the woman they all loved, Jacy, disappeared. But this weekend reveals the secrets each man has kept. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

Downloaded: April 18, 2020